Method and construct for producing graft tissue from extracellular matrix

Abstract

Using connective tissues as starting materials, a method is described for producing matrix particulates. The invention includes an embodiment wherein the matrix particulate are seeded with living human cells or with cells of other species. Further, the invention encompasses fusing the particulates to constitute composites of various shapes, or holding them together in a porous container made of membranous biopolymers. The particulates or composites can be used as tissues for grafting or as model systems for research and testing. The invention also encompasses the spinning of threads in which the matrix particulates are components.

I claim: 
     
       1. A thread comprising connective tissue particulates and a polymer, wherein the connective tissue particulates a) are derived from a tissue source having living cells;   b) lack the living cells normally found in the tissue source from which they are derived; and   c) include factors derived from the tissue source which are necessary for cell growth, morphogenesis, and differentiation.   
     
     
       2. The thread of claim 1, wherein the polymer is bioabsorbable. 
     
     
       3. The thread of claim 2, wherein the polymer is collagen. 
     
     
       4. The thread of claim 3, wherein the collage is porcine fetal collagen. 
     
     
       5. A thread comprising a central core and an outer sleeve, wherein the central core comprises connective tissue particulates which a) are derived from a tissue source having living cells;   b) lack the living cells normally found in the tissue source from which they are derived; and   c) include factors derived from the tissue source which are necessary for cell growth, morphogenesis, and differentiation;   and the outer sleeve comprises a porous polymer.   
     
     
       6. The thread of claim 5, wherein the polymer is bioabsorbable. 
     
     
       7. The thread of claim 6, wherein the polymer is collagen. 
     
     
       8. The thread of claim 7, wherein the collagen is porcine fetal collagen. 
     
     
       9. A plurality of threads of claim 1 or 5, which are woven, knitted, or braided to form a fabric. 
     
     
       10. The thread of claim 1 or 5 which is seeded with cells.